physique

noun

phy·​sique fə-ˈzēk How to pronounce physique (audio)
Synonyms of physiquenext
: the form or structure of an animal's body and especially a human body : bodily makeup

Examples of physique in a Sentence

she had a well-toned physique
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Muscles become stronger and more defined, posture improves and your overall physique becomes more athletic. Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026 Now 30, Varvarych was a bodybuilder and is still proud of his physique, refusing to show self-pity. Carol Guzy, NPR, 22 Feb. 2026 And in a sport where your body is your artwork, looking the part with costume, makeup and physique becomes everything at a young age, too. Rachel Hale, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026 Meat Loaf — whose physique earned him the loaf-of-meat nickname — was built for the stage. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for physique

Word History

Etymology

French, from physique physical, bodily, from Latin physicus of nature, from Greek physikos

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of physique was in 1804

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Physique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physique. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

physique

noun
phy·​sique fə-ˈzēk How to pronounce physique (audio)
: the build of a person's body

Medical Definition

physique

noun
phy·​sique fə-ˈzēk How to pronounce physique (audio)
: the form or structure of a person's body : bodily makeup
a muscular physique

More from Merriam-Webster on physique

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